In this research, spool valves with spiral grooves are suggested and their lubrication characteristics are investigated by numerical analysis. The three-dimensional flow field is obtained by solving the Navier-Stokes equations in dimensionless form, so that the performance variables such as lateral force, friction force and volume flow rate are determined. Also, the lubrication characteristics of spool valves with spiral grooves are compared with those with typical grooves under variable working conditions. It is shown that spool valves with spiral grooves can get better performance in aspect of mitigation of uneven pressure distribution surrounding spool. Moreover, it is found that the minimum distance between spool edges and grooves, the type of spiral groove, and the groove angle have noticeable effect on the lubrication characteristics.